Podcast Episode Summary: "The Apple LIVE! w/ Andy Richter (HDTGM Matinee)"

Episode Details:

• Title: The Apple LIVE! w/ Andy Richter (HDTGM Matinee)
• Release Date: January 14, 2025
• Podcast: How Did This Get Made?
• Hosts: Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, Jason Mantzoukas
• Special Guest: Andy Richter

1. Introduction to "The Apple"

The episode delves deep into the 1980 film The Apple, a musical that has garnered a reputation for its perplexing narrative and eccentric execution. The hosts, along with special guest Andy Richter, embark on a comedic yet critical analysis of the movie, exploring its storyline, thematic intentions, and overall impact.

2. Plot Overview and Initial Impressions

Paul Scheer opens the discussion by expressing his initial confusion upon watching the film:

“The whole movie is a generic Meat Loaf song. And I feel like every... they told the guy who was writing all the music, just write opening lyrics and one chorus and then abort. We'll just repeat that over and over again.” (07:53)

June Diane Raphael echoes this sentiment, highlighting the film's attempt to imitate other works but falling short in execution:

“It is unique in that it's attempting to ape other things, but it does it not just like badly, but just like in the way that you'd think a squirrel would understand language.” (05:18)

Jason Mantzoukas shares his initial misconception about the movie's setting:

“For the first 15 minutes of the movie, I thought this was taking place in outer space.” (05:41)

3. Thematic Analysis and Symbolism

The hosts delve into the movie's underlying themes, attempting to decode its metaphorical intentions. Paul Scheer suggests a critique of the corrupting influence of the music industry:

“I thought it was more like... how the music industry is corrupting artists and music.” (20:37)

June Diane Raphael compares the narrative to an Adam and Eve story, albeit a twisted version:

“I think it was an Adam and Eve story, which I didn't really get because the top...” (18:32)

Michelle Yeoh points out the film's attempt to intertwine these biblical themes with modern societal issues:

“He already manages BIM. BIM is the name of the company.” (04:16)

4. Production Challenges and Filmmaking Flaws

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the film's troubled production. Paul Scheer reveals insights into the scrapped opening sequence:

“Apparently they shot an opening that was disastrous. It was supposed to take place in Mr. Top's world, Heaven. But then a tiger got loose, elephants got their trunks stuck in set pieces... they cut the entire opening.” (25:23)

This abrupt change led to narrative inconsistencies, leaving the audience bewildered about the movie's setting and thematic direction.

5. Character and Casting Critique

The hosts analyze the characters, particularly focusing on Mr. Boogaloo and his portrayal:

“He didn't get it. He is like, not even close to not being the devil. He has horns.” (20:37)

June Diane Raphael questions the casting choices, noting the confusion arising from characters sharing the same actor:

“They are played by the same guy. But I didn't think he was the devil.” (31:03)

Paul Scheer humorously compares the male leads to Roger Daltrey, adding to the critique of the film's lack of originality:

“The male leads in this movie, they both look like Roger Daltrey.” (31:59)

6. Notable Scenes and Musical Numbers

The hosts dissect specific scenes, including the perplexing "BIM Hour" dance sequences:

“It's like saying, disco is killing society. So more disco.” (71:08)

Jason Mantzoukas highlights the over-the-top nature of these sequences:

“It was 1985 stars.” (75:39)

June Diane Raphael points out the absurdity of mandated public dances, comparing them to high-kick workouts:

“It's like a children's German work march. They're all meant to be, you know, simple.” (63:05)

7. Audience Q&A Segment

The live audience engages with the hosts, raising questions that further unravel the movie's intricacies and inconsistencies.

Example Questions and Discussions:

• Accents and Localization:

  Question: “Do you think the accents were a direct choice? Because everyone had a different accent.”
  Discussion: Hosts debate the portrayal of accents, speculating on Mr. Boogaloo’s linguistic background and its impact on character perception. Jason remarks:

  “I had a hard time understanding him.” (58:35)

• Filming Locations and Set Design:

  Question: “Does anyone else think that this was actually filmed in an empty airport hangar?”
  Discussion: The consensus among the hosts aligns with the audience’s observation, acknowledging the movie's limited set design and its contribution to the overall incoherence.

• Subplots and Story Arcs:

  Question: “Did you think the movie took place in New York because of the apple?”
  Discussion: Hosts analyze the symbolic significance of the apple and its ambiguous placement, with Paul suggesting:

  “It's like 84. That's a real shitty way to do it.” (33:33)

• Character Arcs and Development:

  Question by Alexis: “Did you guys notice all their vehicles? How much they look like the car that Homer Simpson designed?”
  Discussion: The hosts explore the movie’s reliance on recognizable but poorly integrated cultural references, drawing parallels to The Simpsons.

8. Concluding Insights and Reflections

As the discussion winds down, the hosts reflect on their collective experience watching The Apple. Paul Scheer sums up the overarching theme he perceived:

“I was just saying it like that. I'm just seeing it at face value, which is like... the devil was like, bite into this apple. But I didn't see someone telling him not to do it.” (67:25)

June Diane Raphael expresses disappointment in the film's failure to cohesively deliver its intended message:

“Such a sloppy execution of the Adam and Eve, Garden of Eden metaphor. There's no heaven to start, you know. The snakes already won.” (67:38)

Michelle Yeoh adds a touch of humor while maintaining the critique:

“He might as well have cloven hooves for feet. He was a straight-up, classic version of a devil.” (20:37)

9. Notable Quotes

Throughout the episode, several memorable quotes emerge, encapsulating the hosts' frustrations and comedic take on the film:

• On Bim Marks:

  “If you don't know what we're talking about, good luck.” (04:59)

• On Mr. Boogaloo’s Motives:

  “How did Schwarzenegger grow a baby in his belly?” (01:56)

• On the Dance Sequences:

  “It's an hour of dancing, perhaps.” (63:27)

• On Production Flaws:

  “They took away the biblical opening because the set was too small.” (25:27)

• On the Movie's Ambiguous Themes:

  “It was like a Steve Jobs thing too. We're all so into that we logo ourselves in 1979.” (60:57)

10. Final Thoughts and Takeaways

The hosts unanimously agree that The Apple stands as a testament to misguided ambition in filmmaking. While the movie attempts to tackle profound themes through a musical lens, its execution fails to resonate, resulting in a convoluted and disjointed narrative. The episode concludes with the hosts encouraging listeners to explore further critiques and oral histories related to the film, emphasizing the podcast's mission to dissect and celebrate the most bewildering cinematic endeavors.

Notable Mentions:

• Documentary Recommendation:
  Michelle Yeoh recommends a Netflix documentary on Cannon Films, praising its in-depth exploration of the studio's influence on such cult movies.

• Viewer Engagement:
  The hosts encourage listeners to engage with their content on social media, share fan art, and participate in discussions about the films covered.

This episode of How Did This Get Made? offers a comprehensive and humorous breakdown of The Apple, highlighting its flaws while celebrating its status as a cult classic of bad cinema. The detailed analysis, coupled with the hosts' comedic chemistry, provides both entertaining and insightful content for enthusiasts of film oddities.